Germany's win over Brazil sets Twitter record

Germany's 7-1 humiliation of Brazil in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night was the most-discussed sports match ever on Twitter, according to the social networking site.

Former Brazil striker Pele was among those who took to Twitter to pay tribute to Germany's excellence.

Credit: PA

The shock result attracted 35.6 million tweets, comfortably beating the previous record of 24.9m during the Super Bowl earlier this year.

Former Brazil striker Pele led the way with a dignified compliment to Germany's emphatic victory.

He wrote: "I always said that football is a box of surprises. Nobody in this world expected this result", and added: "We'll get the sixth title in Russia. Congratulations to Germany."

Germany forward Lukas Podolski tweeted after the match: "In the plane and back on the way to our camp. We're proud and our way is not over yet. #GERBRA #final #poldi #team".

USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who scored 38 goals in 80 appearances for Germany as a player and managed them at the 2006 World Cup, urged Joachim Low and his players to go on and win the tournament.

Klinsmann wrote: "The best German performance ever in a World Cup !! Simply fantastic!! Now get the Cup JOGI and TEAM!! #DFBTeam".

Germany defender Per Mertesacker, who came on at half-time in Belo Horizonte, said: "DIE MANNSCHAFT! (The Team!) I really enjoy this moment... now let's go all in for the final."

Former Germany and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann added his praise for his country's performance, saying: "Master-class from Germany. Clinical, organised, hard-working, unselfish and humble. Very proud of the team. One to go."

England assistant manager and former Three Lions right-back Gary Neville insisted there was more to the drubbing than just poor Brazilian defending.

"A lot being made of bad defending but it was a lesson in attacking play, "decision making in the last third " and " The extra pass" from Germany.

Neville added: "Some of those goals were incisive, brutal and clinical all in one!"

Neville's former England and Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand could hardly bring himself to watch as the goals flew in.

Ferdinand tweeted: "No more please..I can't take this no more...it's hurting..feel for the Brazilian fans here....wow. Will these players ever recover from this."

He added: "All this "sing the national anthem, it shows passion" talk - doesn't mean nothing when you get out on that pitch.Show ya passion on the pitch."

Gary Lineker, who played at two World Cups for England and won the Golden Boot in 1986, tweeted: "In nigh on half a century of watching football, that's the most extraordinary, staggering, bewildering game I've ever witnessed."

Former England forward Michael Owen added his own disbelief.

"I thought Germany would win but didn't think it would be this easy. Brazil very average all tournament. This is almost painful to watch," he tweeted.

Owen, however, still believes Argentina will go on to be crowned champions, adding: "Easy game plus an extra days rest is a huge advantage for Germany. I'm still sticking with Argentina to win it though."

Former France midfielder and 1998 World Cup winner Patrick Vieira said the result was a testament to teamwork.

He tweeted: "Tonight Germany showed how a collective and disciplined structure wins over individual performances. Congratulations to you Germany#BRAGER"

The Scottish Football Association meanwhile looked on nervously as the Tartan Army prepare to face Germany in their opening qualification match for Euro 2016 in September.

They wrote: "Just a quick reminder that our first #EURO2016 qualifier is vs #GER in Dortmund in September. Good. #naeborra"

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen also saw the humorous side of the half-time scoreline, drawing comparisons with England's 5-0 Ashes defeats last winter and in 2007.

Pietersen tweeted: "I've seen 5-0 a few times before...it's not the end of the world, Brazil!"